When was the last time you crawled around your home on your hands and knees? As strange as it sounds, give it a go. Kids explore their everyday environments, so it's important to see things as they do to make sure your home is safe.

We often think of babies and toddlers when we hear the words "babyproofing" or "childproofing." And it's true that young kids have the highest risk of being injured at home because that's where they spend most of their time. But accidental injury is the leading cause of death in kids up to 14 years old — and more than a third of these injuries happen at home.

toxic substances: under the kitchen sink, in the medicine cabinet, in the garage or garden shed, or even in a purse or other place where medicines are stored

the potential for a fall: on stairs, slippery floors, from high windows, or from tipping furniture

choking hazards: including an unsafe sleep environment, foods that pose a choking risk (like grapes or hot dogs), button batteries, and items inside and outside the home that could entrap or strangle a child

You can make these places safer, but the most important safeguard is to watch young kids at all times. Even if your home is childproofed, it only takes an instant for babies and toddlers to fall, run over to a hot stove, or put the wrong thing in their mouths. Your watchfulness is your child's best defense.

However, accidents will still happen, so it's important to be prepared. If you're expecting a baby or have kids, it's wise to:

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About Akron Children's

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Through a combination of revolutionary treatments and extraordinary patient experiences, our care does more than heal. It brings the entire family
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